10 Green Driving Tips
Earth Day may have already come and gone, this year, but it is never too late to start working towards a greener way of life. You may already be doing your part for the planet by recycling or composting. However, another way to live greener starts by taking a look at your driving habits. Not only could making these adjustments contribute to a better environment, but it could extend the life of your car and put more money back in your wallet.
Here are a few “green” driving tips:
1. Avoid braking suddenly.
Keep a safe distance between yourself and the car in front of you. In addition, learn to think ahead. Following these two rules and remaining focused on the road ahead of you will help avoid sudden stops in traffic.
2. Consider car pooling.
Sharing a ride is a great way to save on fuel costs and avoid a lonely car trip. If your co-worker lives nearby, think about car pooling to work together.
3. Combine errands.
Plan and organize your errands, so that you are not making multiple trips to and from your home in one day. Map out which places you need to go, along with the best route to take. You will save yourself precious time.
4. Turn off the engine.
Have you ever had to wait in your car for someone? If you know that it is going to be some time, it is better to turn the engine off. Avoid idling for long periods of time, as it wastes unnecessary gas.
5. Avoid speeding.
According to various studies, a car going 55 miles per hour will get better fuel efficiency than another car going much faster. This means that it is better to obey speed limit signs. Not only will you avoid getting a ticket, but you will save gas and avoid polluting the air.
6. Keep up with car maintenance.
When you take your car in for regular service appointments, you are taking the necessary steps to keep it in the best driving condition. Otherwise, old spark plugs, dirty filters, and thick oil can contribute to a decrease in performance and longevity.
7. Clean out your trunk.
Are you carrying around junk in your trunk? Added weight makes the car work harder than it needs to. Thus, the car burns more fuel in the process. Removing items from your trunk that you do not need is beneficial for improving your vehicle’s fuel efficiency.
8. Inflate your tires.
Underinflated tires mean more money out of your pocket because of their negative effect on a car’s fuel economy. Properly inflated tires create less friction with the road surface. Consult your car’s owner’s manual on how much air you should put in your tires.
9. Take a walk.
On a warm, sunny day, a walk or bike ride surpasses a stuffy car ride. Many large cities, and even small towns, are walkable. If you live close enough to work or school, give the car a rest for the afternoon. Not only will you be getting some fresh air, but you will be getting exercise, as well.
10. Use public transportation.
Public transportation has its benefits. It can save you money on gas and parking. There may be some instances in which taking a bus or train would be easier than taking your car.
National Dispatch is a nationwide provider of auto transport services. We pride ourselves in providing top-rated car shipping services without incident. By choosing us, you will have peace of mind knowing your car will arrive safely and on time. Request a free, instant car shipping quote. No personal information is required to receive a car transport rate in seconds. If you prefer to speak with an auto transport representative, call us at 800-321-2051.